Born a prince, the son of King Hywel Mawr; grandson of Hoel I Mawr the Great. Brother of SaintTudwal. Brother of Saint Arthfael. Soldier whose skill was celebrated the bards of his day; he fought in the battle of Camlan in 537. A life at war caused him to turn to religion. Hermit and then monk at Llantwit, Wales. Abbot of Ynys Enlli. Missionary. A wooden statue of Derfel on horseback was a great treasure of the church at Llanderfel; it was used in the pyre that burnedBlessedJohn Forest.